Business idea · E-commerce
Pop-Up Tourist Treats
Pop-Up Tourist Treats: This business involves setting up pop-up stands in tourist areas to sell unique local treats, inspired by successful models like the chocolate-covered banana stand in Balboa Island. It was pitched on My First Million in the episode "The Side Hustle King: “I’m making $8K/DAY from easy businesses" (aired June 18, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | The Side Hustle King: “I’m making $8K/DAY from easy businesses” |
| Aired | June 18, 2025 |
| Category | E-commerce |
| Real companies on the episode | Copy That, Pet Cremation Business, Secret Pickleball, iPhone Repair Shop, Facebook Marketplace Fencing Business, Toasted Tours |
The problem it solves
Tourists often seek local, unique experiences and treats; this business fills the gap for memorable food items that are not easily available elsewhere.
How it makes money
Revenue would come from direct sales of the treats, possibly with seasonal or location-based adaptations to maximize profits.
Skills you need
Skills needed include food preparation, customer service, and marketing to attract tourists.
The market, and why this works now
The rise of food delivery apps like DoorDash has increased consumer interest in trying local treats while traveling. A practical first step for generating revenue could be listing pop-up locations on local tourism websites or city chamber-of-commerce directories to attract foot traffic. However, founders should consider the potential high costs of securing prime locations and the risk of seasonal fluctuations in tourist numbers, which could impact revenue consistency.
Our analysis, written after the episode. Not a quote from the show.
Real companies discussed on this episode
- Copy That
A program designed to improve writing skills for individuals in a workplace setting.
- Pet Cremation Business
A business focused on providing pet cremation services, leveraging high margins in the industry.
- Secret Pickleball
An indoor pickleball facility offering membership access with a focus on a small, private setting.
- iPhone Repair Shop
A business focused on repairing iPhones and other mobile devices.
- Facebook Marketplace Fencing Business
A local fencing company that generates leads by posting services on Facebook Marketplace, leveraging its vast user base.
- Toasted Tours
A novel wine tour service that uses a repurposed shipping container as a mobile party bus for tours in Northern California.
Where this idea came from
Podcast: My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Episode: The Side Hustle King: “I’m making $8K/DAY from easy businesses”
Aired:
Summarized from the episode transcript. The show does not say which speaker raised each idea, so we credit the show, not a person.